A teenager who built up his own business during the covid pandemic is now urging others to "bite the bullet" and achieve their dreams.
Whilst in school, Tom Pyke, from Orrell Park, had dreamed of owning his own pet shop store after having a love for animals from a very young age.
So while others lived a "student life", Tom began an online business at the age of 16 selling pet products via social media and personally delivering them himself to struggling people during the pandemic.
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But now, at the age of 19, his "dream has come true" as he now owns his own store on Northfield Road and says he could be "Liverpool's youngest pet shop owner".
He told the ECHO : "It's something I've always dreamed about and now I have it.
"When I was 16 I grew the business online as much as I could and studied business in college but when I left college I made the decision to open a shop but I was still only young.
"But I did it and really enjoyed it. It's been so rewarding knowing this is what I've dreamed about for so many years and finally I come to work each day doing what I wanted to do.
"The only setback I've faced is that most people have lived that student life, but I haven't. Though I am enjoying what I do and it's always been my dream."
During the pandemic, Tom said he was personally making deliveries on a daily basis which helped to build his business up.
He said: "During the pandemic I was delivering everywhere. It was just me, family did help out a little but it got relatively busy each week.
"People struggled to get what they needed in the large supermarkets and I had the facilities to give them that which was nice, it was really rewarding."
The young business owner is now urging other youngsters to bite the bullet.
He added: "Just go for it, bite the bullet and go for it. As long as you know what you're doing there's no harm.
"Try working online for a bit, that's what really benefitted me as well as the young entrepreneurs market. Now, I'm pretty sure I'm Liverpool's youngest pet shop owner.
"It's quite unusual for someone of my age to embark on a business venture like this but it's something I always wanted to do. When I was younger I loved going into pet shops and the zoo and really loved animals.
"When I was about 14 I realised I wanted my own pet shop.
"I would urge people to support the young people, we are the future. Realistically, I'm only 19 and in about 50 years, I will still be here so it's important to support the youth.
"Also to shop local instead of going online or to the bigger supermarkets, support our businesses here."
Pet Supplies Liverpool also sells small rodents, rabbits and budgies and has a reptile area coming soon.
With hamsters and budgies the best sellers, Tom said it is exciting seeing his business grow.
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